Williamson County Vehicle Impound Guide
Impound Cost Calculator — Williamson County, Texas
Calculate how much it will cost to retrieve your vehicle from Private Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF).
*Estimated fees shown. Actual fees in Williamson County may vary. Contact the impound lot directly for exact costs.
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The First 48 Hours Are Critical
After a arrest in Williamson County, your vehicle is likely towed to an impound lot. Storage fees accumulate daily, making time your biggest enemy.
What Happens Immediately After Arrest
- 1
Vehicle is towed (usually within 30 minutes of arrest)
- 2
Tow company notifies impound lot (charges start immediately)
- 3
Storage fees begin accruing at $22.85/day in Williamson County
- 4
Administrative fees added (varies by lot)
Documents You Need to Retrieve Your Vehicle
- Valid photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
- Vehicle registration or title
- Proof of insurance
- Payment for all fees (see calculator above)
- Release authorization (if not the registered owner)
Can Someone Else Pick Up My Car?
Yes, but they'll need:
- • Written authorization from the registered owner
- • Copy of owner's ID
- • Their own valid ID
- • Proof of insurance in their name or the owner's name
Impound Lot Details
Private Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF)
Call Before You Go
Verify your vehicle is at this lot and confirm the exact amount owed before making the trip. Hours and fees may change without notice.
The Impound “Poverty Trap”
Many people can't afford to get their car out immediately, but waiting only makes it worse.
Here's the vicious cycle:
Can't afford the first 3 days of storage + admin fees
Wait a week to save money → fees double
Can't get to work without car → lose income
Wait 2 weeks → fees triple or quadruple
After 30 days → Car may be auctioned by the lot
What You Can Do
- • Borrow money from family/friends (pay them back later, cheaper than daily fees)
- • Use a credit card (even with interest, cheaper than impound fees)
- • Sell non-essential items quickly
- • Ask your employer for an advance
- • Check if your auto insurance covers towing/storage (some policies do)
Non-consent towing is a privatized, highly regulated industry in Williamson County, operating under the Sheriff’s Office Non-Consent Towing Rotation List. If your vehicle is impounded following a DWI arrest in Williamson County, understanding the process and your rights can help mitigate financial burdens.
Vehicle Impoundment After a DWI Arrest
When arrested for DWI in Williamson County, your vehicle is typically impounded via what's called an Incident Management (IM) Tow. Unlike a consent tow where you choose the provider, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) operates a Non-Consent Towing Rotation List. This means the officer will request the next available company on the rotation list for the specific Geographic Response Zone where you were arrested. You do not have the option to choose the towing company.
Fees and Your Rights
Williamson County adheres to the maximum towing and storage fee schedules authorized by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Expect that most rotation companies will charge the maximum allowable fees.
Maximum Non-Consent Towing and Storage Fees (2024-2025):
- Daily Storage Fee at a Private Vehicle Storage Facility (VSF): $22.85
A key point to remember is the "12-Hour Exception" regarding storage fees. Even if your vehicle is stored across two calendar days, if the total storage time is less than 12 hours, the facility can only charge you for one day of storage. For example, if your car is towed at 10:00 PM on Day 1 and you retrieve it at 8:00 AM on Day 2 (a total of 10 hours), you should only be charged one day's storage fee ($22.85).
The "Drop Fee"
You have the right to halt the tow and have your vehicle released for a "Drop Fee" if you arrive at the scene after the tow truck has hooked up your vehicle but before it has entered a public roadway. The Drop Fee cannot exceed 50% of the maximum tow fee, which is approximately $136.00 for a light-duty car. The towing operator is legally required to accept cash, credit, or debit cards for the Drop Fee.
Importantly, if the vehicle is not fully hooked up (e.g., safety chains not attached, tow lights not connected), the operator must release the vehicle free of charge. Take photographic evidence immediately if this is the case.
Locating Your Vehicle
Williamson County uses a system called AutoReturn to help you locate your impounded vehicle. Search for your vehicle via the AutoReturn website or the county’s "Find Vehicle" portal using your license plate or VIN.
Most DWI vehicles are taken to the private rotation company's lot. However, if the vehicle is seized as evidence (e.g., in a vehicular manslaughter investigation), it may be taken to the Sheriff’s Impound Yard. In this case, a "hold" is placed on the vehicle, and you will need a release order from the detective or court before it can be released.
If you post bond through Freedom Bail Bonds, their office is conveniently located at 307 S. Rock Street.
Sources
Texas Transportation Code
Williamson County Towing Regulations
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Nearby Texas Counties
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